Tens of millions of dollars are pouring into the race for New York City mayor. While the usual wealthy donors and special interest groups are jumping in, a significant chunk of cash is also coming from taxpayer dollars via the the Campaign Finance Board.

The CFB was created over 30 years ago to reduce the influence of big money in politics, and so far has paid $11 million to mayoral candidates. Gothamist/WNYC’s David Cruz says that influx of cash has helped people like Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Comptroller Scott Stringer keep up with rivals like Ray McGuire, who is benefitting from deep-pocketed donors.

"It’s a good example of what the CFB can do when it comes to combating big money,because with those matching funds, at least two other candidates can match McGuire almost dollar for dollar," Cruz tells All Things Considered host Sean Carlson.

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